Abstract:

Human beings have an instinctive connection with nature since their existence. This innate affinity is defined as Biophilia, the love of nature. Biophilic design aims to increase users’ connectivity to direct and indirect components of nature in the built environment. This study discusses the importance of introducing the concept of biophilia in design education and the restorative potential of biophilic design components in various environmental contexts. Focusing on shopping mall environments, the study also explores the consumers’ awareness of biophilic components and discovering the restorative potential of natural or artificial elements during the costumers spend time in shopping malls. This study combines Kaplan and Kaplan’s (1989) attention restorative theory and Terrapin’s 14 patterns of biophilic design (Terrapin, 2014). The study employs survey and photographical research methods in one the largest shopping malls in Izmir, Turkey, featuring a highly rich green inner courtyard accommodating more than 1000 people. The findings suggest that consumers who spend time in shopping malls may experience specific health benefits. It is believed that, the suggested model and biophilic approach to design is beneficial for educational purposes in design programs. Thus, the study highlights discussions useful for both educational researchers and designers due to the new model’s practicality, resulting in enriched environmental experiences through biophilic design.

Keywords:

Design education, design research, biophilia, biophilic design, restorative, shopping malls.